VietNamNet Bridge - Filipino President Benigno S.C. Aquino III said he had
directed Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario to resolve disputes in
the East Sea in his upcoming visit to China.
Citing the importance of engaging in a dialogue, he said that his office is
fixing the date for a state visit to China where he will personally meet with
his counterparts and settle the dispute diplomatically.
“Perhaps we will come to an understanding. We can’t ignore each other when lives
are at stake,” said Mr. Aquino. “Barring any unforeseen circumstances, [the
state visit] should happen this year.”
As to whether the President will raise the unidentified fighter jet that
recently flew low in the East Sea and intimidated Filipino fishermen, Mr. Aquino
said he first has to know details of the incident.
“The last report was two unidentified planes that were in an intercept course
with two of our patrols. I will have to get information with regard to that
incident,” said Mr. Aquino.
In earlier interviews, Mr. Aquino had said he will report several incidents of
incursion into Philippine territory to the United Nations, and will also raise
the matter during his China visit.
The President has been consistent in his position that the Philippines should
protect its national sovereignty, including maritime interests, using a
“rules-based system for a peaceful, fair, advantageous dialogue, moving towards
a resolution that is beneficial for all.”
“No one wants a scuffle but that does not mean that we’ll allow bigger countries
to run roughshod over us,” said Mr. Aquino.
“If we allow ourselves to be bullied maybe the next Filipino generation will
cram themselves in one island. If we allow ourselves to be shoved aside, maybe
tomorrow our 7,100 islands will just be two digits. It’s not just for others to
just take what is ours.”
Mr. Aquino is adamant in talking with other claimant countries to present a
united front on the issue, and said that the Philippines will continue to honor
its international commitments.
However, the President clarified that foreign policy for the Philippines -- even
in accepting or providing help to treaty ally United States -- is still geared
towards what is advantageous to the Philippines.
Johanna Paola D. Poblete (bworldonline)